Surgically induced astigmatism after phacoemulsification with clear corneal 5.2 mm incision; temporal vs superior approach

The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of surgically induced astigmatism [SIA] by a sutureless clear corneal incision of 5.2 mm while using a superior and temporal approach. It was carried out at the department of Ophthalmology Nishtar Medical College and Hospital Multan. The sample size was 150 eyes of 130 patients. Clear corneal incision was used in all the patients. The patients were divided into two groups Group-1 included 75 eyes of 61 patients who underwent surgery via temporal approach. Group-2 included 75 eyes of 69 patients in whom superior approach was used. Keratometry was performed preoperatively, on first post operative day, after 1 week and 6 weeks. Surgically induced astigmatism was calculated by comparing pre operative and post operation keratometric readings at 6 wks. The surgically induced astigmatism in Group-1 [Temporal approach] ranged from 0.4-1.3D, mean 0.95 D whereas for Group-2 [Superior approach] range was 1.0-2.9D and mean was 1.98D. For a suture less clear corneal incision temporal approach results in considerably lesser degree of surgically induced astigmatism